The gentle west wind hums/ As it blows in from the lake/ Over the fields and swaying palms/ The soul songs of the waves.
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Friday, June 27, 2008

Great soldiers never die…

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (1914-2008)

speaking to a jawan during the 1971 Indo-Pak War._________________________________________________________

I was amazed to read the press release of the Defence Ministry that as a “rare gesture” the Govt. of India decided to accord a state funeral to the iconic former army chief. There was no need to belittle Sam Bahadur with that “rare gesture”. As Field marshal S.H.F.J. Manekshaw was a 5 star General, and five star generals do not retire. The state funeral with full military honours was his right as the highest ranking officer of the Indian army.

jk, what you read is right. The Army Chief was away in Moscow and couldn't make it. But the Navy and Air Force bosses who were in the country could have and should have been present at the funeral of Sam Bahadur. The Defense Minister too was absent.

Overall, it was a shoddy performance by the government. The excuse given was there was no precedence. Anyway, to make up, a good show was put up at India Gate, Delhi on June 30. The Defense Minister and all Service Chief's were present.

The US Presidential Candidate Obama has come out with glowing tribute to Sam Bahadur.